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Bacardi has initiated a new glass recycling programme in partnership with Reciclaje del Norte and the Municipality of Cataño, aimed at reducing waste at its Bacardí rum distillery in Puerto Rico.

Launched in May 2025, this initiative is part of Bacardi's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The programme facilitates the weekly collection of glass bottles from local bars and restaurants in the Cataño Bay area. Once collected, the glass is crushed and repurposed into building materials, significantly contributing to waste reduction efforts.

To date, the initiative has successfully collected over 1.3 tons of glass, highlighting its potential impact on minimising landfill waste and promoting recycling awareness among local businesses.

Magaly Feliciano, Bacardi's global sustainability director, said: “As a family-owned business, we believe strongly in doing the right thing by giving back to our local community and helping protect the environment in Cataño. This project exemplifies how we can collaboratively make a meaningful difference.”

Cataño's mayor, Julio Alicea Vasallo, noted the programme's transformative potential for the local economy. “This fantastic glass recycling programme is not just another initiative; it is an innovative effort that includes our businesses in Cataño Bay in constructing an economy where waste is not waste, but an opportunity for something more,” he remarked.

Bacardi's glass recycling initiative is one facet of its comprehensive sustainability strategy, which also includes transitioning from oil to gas at its distillery to lower greenhouse gas emissions and implementing water reuse systems that conserve millions of gallons annually.

The company has also received Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Certification for its efforts to protect the local bat population, underscoring its commitment to environmental conservation.